A significant number of armed individuals in Ethiopia's Amhara region are laying down their weapons and embracing a call for peace, with regional officials reporting a growing trend of disarmament and reintegration into communities.
Eshetu Yesuf, head of the Amhara Regional State Peace and Security Bureau, announced that at least 10,000 armed individuals have accepted the peace initiative. These former combatants have surrendered their firearms and are now awaiting crucial training to facilitate their successful return to civilian life.
According to Eshetu, many of those disarming have expressed profound remorse for their past actions. "They admit they erred by previously aligning with the enemy to attack our country," he stated, adding that they also acknowledged "harming the community by hindering development and disrupting educational activities."
This recent wave of disarmament builds on previous successes. Eshetu revealed that 4,200 armed individuals who responded to a similar call for peace earlier this year have already completed training and successfully rejoined their communities.
The increasing number of individuals seeking peace has prompted the regional government to expand its capacity. "Due to the growing number of armed individuals responding to the peace call, additional training centers are currently under construction," Eshetu confirmed.
The bureau head highlighted a fundamental shift in perspective among the former combatants. They have come to realize that "a country is governed by peace and dialogue, and that problems can be resolved through discussion rather than force and weapons."
Achieving lasting peace in the Amhara region is a collective effort, Eshetu emphasized, underscoring the crucial role of various community stakeholders. This includes religious leaders, elders, youth, and women, whose active participation is deemed vital.
Looking ahead, religious leaders have slated a national peace conference for next month, a significant initiative aimed at fostering reconciliation and stability. The Amhara region has taken on the responsibility for hosting this event and has finalized preparations to ensure its peaceful execution.
In parallel with these peace efforts, the region is also bolstering its security apparatus. Eshetu concluded by stating that a strong security structure is being built through targeted training for security forces and by enhancing internal structures and capabilities.